Pear Cake
Our pear cake is a delightful treat that perfectly balances sweetness and moisture. This recipe showcases the natural flavors of fresh pears, making it ideal for any occasion. Whether you’re serving it at brunch, as an afternoon snack, or for dessert after dinner, this cake is sure to impress. With just a handful of ingredients and straightforward steps, you’ll find yourself making this pear cake time and again!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Simple Ingredients: With just seven basic items, you can whip up this delicious pear cake without any hassle.
- Versatile Serving Options: Enjoy it as a breakfast delight, a midday snack, or a sweet ending to your dinner.
- Fruity Flavor: The combination of fresh pears and cinnamon creates a rich, fruity flavor that everyone will love.
- Moist Texture: This cake is soft and moist, ensuring each slice melts in your mouth.
- Quick Prep Time: Ready in just 60 minutes, this recipe is perfect for last-minute gatherings or cravings.

Tools and Preparation
Before you start baking your pear cake, gather the necessary tools and prepare your workspace. This will make the process smooth and enjoyable.
Essential Tools and Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Whisk or electric mixer
- Baking pan (9×13 inch)
- Knife (for slicing pears)
Importance of Each Tool
- Mixing bowl: A spacious mixing bowl allows you to easily combine all ingredients without spilling.
- Baking pan: A good-quality baking pan ensures even cooking, giving your pear cake the perfect texture.
- Whisk or electric mixer: Using a whisk or mixer helps achieve a smooth batter quickly, saving you time and effort.
Ingredients
To create this delicious pear cake, you’ll need the following ingredients:
For the Cake Base
- 1 cup milk (we use unsweetened soy milk)
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (we use canola or sunflower oil)
- 1 tablespoon vanilla extract (optional)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
For the Pears
- 1 pound pears
- 3 small pears
Topping
- 2 tablespoons sugar
How to Make Pear Cake
Follow these simple steps to create your delicious pear cake.
Step 1: Preheat the Oven
Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). This ensures that your cake bakes evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Pears
- Wash the pears thoroughly.
- Peel and core them before slicing them into thin pieces.
Step 3: Mix Wet Ingredients
In a mixing bowl:
1. Combine milk, sugar, vegetable oil, and vanilla extract.
2. Whisk until well combined.
Step 4: Combine Dry Ingredients
In another bowl:
1. Mix together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon.
2. Gradually add this mixture to the wet ingredients until fully incorporated.
Step 5: Add Pears
Gently fold in the sliced pears into the batter until they are evenly distributed.
Step 6: Bake
Pour the batter into a greased baking pan. Bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
Step 7: Cool & Serve
Allow the cake to cool in the pan for about 10 minutes before transferring it to a wire rack. Once cooled, slice and serve!
Enjoy your homemade pear cake!
How to Serve Pear Cake
Serving pear cake can be a delightful experience, whether for a breakfast treat or as a dessert at a gathering. Here are some creative ways to enjoy this moist, fruity cake.
With Fresh Whipped Cream
- A dollop of fresh whipped cream adds a light, airy touch that complements the cake’s sweetness.
Topped with Vanilla Ice Cream
- Pairing pear cake with vanilla ice cream creates a warm and cold contrast that’s simply irresistible.
Drizzled with Caramel Sauce
- A rich caramel drizzle enhances the flavor of the pears and adds an indulgent finish to each slice.
Accompanied by Fresh Fruit
- Serving slices alongside fresh fruit like berries or citrus can brighten up the plate and add freshness.
With Spiced Tea or Coffee
- Enjoying pear cake with a cup of spiced tea or coffee makes for a cozy afternoon snack.
How to Perfect Pear Cake
Perfecting your pear cake can elevate it from good to great. Here are some tips to ensure every bite is delicious.
- Use ripe pears: Ripe pears enhance the sweetness and moisture of the cake, making it even more flavorful.
- Don’t overmix: Mixing just until combined prevents the cake from becoming dense; this keeps it light and fluffy.
- Check for doneness: Insert a toothpick in the center; it should come out clean when the cake is done baking.
- Cool properly: Allowing the cake to cool in the pan for 10 minutes before transferring helps prevent breakage.
- Experiment with spices: Adding nutmeg or ginger can provide extra warmth and depth to your pear cake.
Best Side Dishes for Pear Cake
Pairing side dishes with your pear cake can enhance your dessert experience. Here are some excellent suggestions.
- Cinnamon Sugar Toast: A simple toast topped with cinnamon sugar complements the flavors of the pear cake beautifully.
- Yogurt Parfait: Layered yogurt with granola and fruits offers a creamy contrast that balances sweetness.
- Fruit Salad: A mix of seasonal fruits brings freshness that brightens up each bite of pear cake.
- Cheese Platter: A selection of cheeses—like brie or goat cheese—adds savory elements that pair well with sweet desserts.
- Chocolate Ganache: Drizzling chocolate ganache over slices introduces rich cocoa notes, enhancing taste complexity.
- Nutty Granola: Crunchy granola sprinkled on top provides texture and nuttiness, making each bite unique.
- Coffee Cake Muffins: These muffins echo similar flavors and can create a comforting brunch spread when served together.
- Herbal Tea: A calming herbal tea serves as a light beverage option that pairs nicely without overpowering the dessert.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Making a pear cake can be simple, but avoiding a few common mistakes can elevate your dessert to the next level.
- Skipping the Peeling: Not peeling the pears may lead to a gritty texture. Always peel your pears for a smoother cake.
- Overmixing the Batter: Overmixing can make the cake dense and tough. Mix until just combined for a light and fluffy texture.
- Ignoring Measurements: Not measuring ingredients accurately can ruin your cake’s balance. Use precise measurements for best results.
- Not Checking Doneness: Failing to check if the cake is done can result in undercooked or burnt edges. Always use a toothpick inserted into the center to check doneness.
- Using Old Baking Powder: Expired baking powder won’t provide the necessary rise. Check its freshness before starting.

Storage & Reheating Instructions
Refrigerator Storage
- Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
- Place parchment paper between layers if stacking slices.
Freezing Pear Cake
- Wrap tightly in plastic wrap, then foil for up to 3 months.
- Slice before freezing for easy thawing.
Reheating Pear Cake
- Oven: Preheat to 350°F (175°C) and heat for about 10 minutes until warm.
- Microwave: Heat individual slices on medium power for about 30 seconds.
- Stovetop: Warm slices in a skillet over low heat for about 5 minutes, flipping halfway.
Frequently Asked Questions
Here are some common questions about making pear cake that may help you on your baking journey.
What can I serve with Pear Cake?
Pear cake pairs beautifully with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream, adding a creamy touch to its fruity goodness.
Can I use other fruits instead of pears?
Absolutely! You can substitute apples or peaches if you’re looking for variations in flavor while keeping the same base recipe.
How do I make my Pear Cake gluten-free?
To make a gluten-free pear cake, simply substitute all-purpose flour with your favorite gluten-free flour blend.
Why did my Pear Cake sink in the middle?
A sinking pear cake could be due to underbaking or too much moisture from the fruit. Make sure to measure ingredients accurately and bake long enough.
Final Thoughts
This pear cake is not only soft and moist but also incredibly versatile. Perfect as a snack, breakfast treat, or dessert for special occasions, you can customize it with spices or other fruits. Give it a try—you’ll love how easy it is to make and how delightful it tastes!
Pear Cake
Indulge in the delightful experience of homemade pear cake, a soft and moist dessert that captures the essence of fresh pears. This easy-to-follow recipe features just a handful of ingredients, allowing you to create a comforting treat perfect for any occasion. Whether it’s a cozy brunch with friends or an elegant dinner finale, this pear cake will impress everyone at the table. The warm notes of cinnamon complement the natural sweetness of ripe pears, resulting in a cake that is not only delicious but also incredibly satisfying. Enjoy it plain or elevate your experience with whipped cream or vanilla ice cream—either way, this cake is sure to become a cherished favorite.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 50 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
- Yield: Serves 12 1x
- Category: Dessert
- Method: Baking
- Cuisine: American
Ingredients
- 1 cup milk (unsweetened soy milk)
- ¾ cup sugar
- ¼ cup vegetable oil (canola or sunflower)
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- 1 tablespoon baking powder
- 1 teaspoon cinnamon
- 1 pound fresh pears (peeled and sliced)
Instructions
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
- In a mixing bowl, combine milk, sugar, vegetable oil, and optional vanilla extract; whisk until blended.
- In another bowl, mix together flour, baking powder, and cinnamon. Gradually add to wet ingredients until just combined.
- Gently fold in the sliced pears until evenly distributed.
- Pour batter into a greased 9×13 inch baking pan and bake for about 50 minutes or until a toothpick inserted into the center comes out clean.
- Cool for 10 minutes in the pan before transferring to a wire rack to finish cooling.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 180
- Sugar: 12g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 26g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 2g
- Cholesterol: 0mg